The Syrian rebel group Tahrir al-Sham launched a lightning offensive and captured the government-controlled capital Damascus in less than two weeks; after the collapse of the government of Syrian President Assad, people entered the presidential palace in droves and roamed around to visit various rooms. They posed for photos, and some people even took away furniture, tableware or decorations. People in Damascus, Aleppo and other places took to the streets to celebrate.

 After President Assad fled, the entire country of Syria celebrated with joy the end of the Assad family’s 50-year iron-fisted rule. Tahrir al-Sham leader Jolani applauded the “historic victory” at the iconic Omiya Grand Mosque, saying “this victory, my brothers, is of historic significance to this region.”

At another presidential palace in the Muhajreen district, a group of men and women walked across white marble floors and through towering wooden doors. A man held a vase in his hand, while a large cupboard in the room had its door ajar and nothing on the shelf.